1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Do the final scores sometimes deceive? One must ask. The Villans' triumphant run was extended versus Manchester United, but so did the nagging doubts. Statistically, they were inferior by a number of key indicators – fewer shots (12-15), less possession (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). As usual, the victory was by a narrow margin. As usual, the xG metric was unimpressed: according to data United had the slight advantage 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are determined by more than statistics. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and individual talent – and Villa possess each ingredient. The young forward could be considered their sole standout, but his contributions are coming with festive regularity. The Spanish tactician is shrewd, battle-hardened, streets ahead of his counterpart. If Rogers profited from a positional error, it was likely because Emery had spotted that Yoro was playing out of position, and directed his attacker to start wide, move infield and exploit the space. Talent and management, combining effectively.
2. Persistent Problems for Amorim's United
Following United's victory over Brighton 4-2 on 25 October, their fans rediscovered hope. They had won three league games on the bounce for the first time under the Portuguese coach. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (a side they often struggle against), Liverpool (away!) and Sunderland (at home, against a promoted club, but still – a routine shutout). Their keeper provided stability, their forward line sparked and optimism was growing. But then United returned to poor form. Eight games, a mere pair of successes, six disappointing results. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever appearing likely to triumph. Yes, the Brazilian scored an excellent finish, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were unlucky with injuries (to influential figures), but they were punished for defensive errors. Following over a year in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arsenal Grind Out a Vital Victory
It was a late Saturday start on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the opposition box made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue came as no surprise with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish unable to spark an entire team on his own. In many respects it is astonishing that David Moyes’s side occupied a European spot in the table recently given they have played the whole campaign without a decent striker. For Arsenal and the Spanish coach, while he enjoyed a merited victory and a return to the top of the table, the deficiency should be equally concerning given their ambitions for the Premier League. Arteta insisted that winning margins will inevitably become bigger with dedication and persistence. But it is a little early in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be dependent on scrappy victories.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
Over the festive period the Catalan coach will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not overdone the festive fare. He explained the players asked to have a rest day after their recent victory but he refused because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and after three days off, then two days to prepare for the Nottingham Forest game. He explained how improvements can be made. “I excel at analyzing what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in these positions, we could generate more chances.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I have holidays with the family to relax. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is top.”
5. Isak’s Injury Overshadows Big Moment
Alexander Isak’s goal at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like a statement. This was the very purpose Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the assurance with which he clipped in from a neat pass was highly promising. So the image of him leaving immediately, following a rash challenge, was a significant blow for the Dutch coach and a shame for any neutral who would like to see such a gifted player perform at his best again. It is believed Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he could be in for a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a huge loss with the Reds having steadily climbed towards the Champions League places, putting together a solid undefeated streak featuring Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear tied up with those of their £125m investment.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament controversial calls as a means of shifting the focus from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The numerous points Newcastle have squandered when ahead this season appears relevant. The Newcastle boss certainly did not seem particularly eager to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they eventually tied. Yet Howe was surely right to question a decision made by the on-field referee and VAR not to award his team a penalty following a obvious foul on their winger. With the score then 2-1, a spot-kick could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the benefit of considerable doubt informed by Gordon’s reputation for being skilled at drawing contact and sometimes exaggerating? The take of a respected pundit was interesting. “He anticipates the contact,” came the observation. “He expects the tackle and he braces for it. I think he intends to hit the deck. But the force and aggression there … it constitutes a foul.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s maiden victory on the road this season spelled relief for their manager. Rather than celebrate, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “My formative years were here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is increasingly desperate; statistical models state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at virtually certain, leaving little tangible to fight for beyond pride. A experienced defender brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
